The King of Fighters dev SNK Playmore shifts focus to smartphone and console games

Japanese game developer SNK Playmore has announced that it has stopped making pachinko slot machines.

Instead, it is now doubling its efforts on creating games for smartphones and consoles.

The reasons for dropping the pachinko business are said to be a dwindling interest and uncertainties in the industry due to recent regulatory changes.

Going forward, the company will be looking to leverage popular IPs such as The King of Fighters, Metal Slug, and Samurai Spirits.

This includes more focus on the PS4's upcoming The King of Fighters XIV.

It's also said that SNK Playmore's recent partnership with Chinese company Ledo Millennium will be used to create synergy in the mobile games sector.

Staff who worked on pachinko machines at SNK Playmore will now be assigned to the expanding games division.